This is first time Cantrex has held a national member meeting for the furniture, mattress and appliance division since late 2008.
      The buying group will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding this year.
      The convention's keynote speaker will be Donald Cooper, a specialist in human marketing with experience as a manufacturer and a retailer. Also speaking is author, motivator and persuasion coach Mike Lipkin, president of Environics/ Lipkin, a division of Environics Research Group.
      Julia Rosien, director of communications for Canadian bedding producer Natura World, will talk about how retailers can integrate new media into their traditional marketing mix.
      Cantrex members also will hear from an industry panel that will address issues facing furniture, mattress and appliance retailers in Canada.
      The convention's closing speaker will be Todd Wanek, CEO of manufacturer and retailer Ashley Furniture.
      Rounding out the convention will be a supplier trade show, featuring at least 50 approved Cantrex suppliers.
     Cantrex members seeking more information should contact merchandising/advertising coordinator Ivan Lo by e-mail at ivan.lo@cantrex.com. - Michael J. Knell